What is thermal stress at work?

Given the high temperatures affecting the country, the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) reported that employees who work in closed offices or places may suffer from heat stress and stroke.

Gabriel Alejandro Real Orlas, responsible for the field of toxicology and environmental health to coordinate IMSS work, explained that thermal stress in the work environment is inconvenience due to exposure to high temperatures that affect the physical and emotional well.

He explained that prolonged thermal stress has also been linked to an increase in the perception of work burden and decline in the sense of controlling the designated tasks.

“Thermal stress in the work environment is associated with increasing irritation, emotional fatigue and low well, which may increase psychological and social risk factors.

“Workers who are exposed to high temperatures are greater psychological tension, anxiety and decrease in job satisfaction, which may lead to conflicts between people and increase fatigue.”

Symptoms of heat stress

The specialist added that if the employees have any of the following symptoms, they must ask for medical attention to avoid heat strikes or the suffering of thermal stress:

• Dizziness or confusion
• Extreme fatigue
• Excessive sweating followed by dry skin
• Increase body temperature
• Nausea to vomiting

How can the heat face inside the offices?

The real Orlelas said that in order to avoid thermal stress or stroke in the closed work environment, the consumption of 2 and 2.5 liters of water during the eight hours working day is necessary, in order to prevent dehydration in hot office environments.

And when more physical demand activities are carried out, 700 milliliters should be drunk to a liter of water per hour.

In addition, it was suggested to implement the following procedures:

• Conducting short breaks during the day is an effective strategy to avoid heat stress.
• It is recommended that employees take rest periods of 5 minutes every 45 to 60 minutes when temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius until the body recovers and avoids excessive fatigue.
• Wear light cotton clothes or light colors, and avoid tight and artificial clothes.
• To keep a new office without excessive use of air conditioning, cross ventilation is suggested, and open windows on both sides of the office with the intention to allow fresh air flow and improve blood circulation.
• Interior plants, such as the ARCA palm tree, Moses and cradle Ficus, can improve offices atmosphere and help reduce heat through the evaporation process. In addition, plants increase the feeling of wells and reduce tension in employees.
• Companies must enhance the culture of care and heat prevention through education and awareness about heat risks, and enhance moisture, among other measures.

JCP